COAST GARDEN CLUB CELEBRATES TREES
Public invited to submit photos of trees
FORT BRAGG » Theodore Roosevelt once said, “To exist as a nation, to prosper as a state, and to live as a people, we must have trees.” Arbor Day is celebrated all over the world to recognize the value trees provide and the important role they play in building healthy, vibrant communities.
In California, March 7-14 has been designated Arbor Week to coincide with the birthday of horticulturalist Luther Burbank on March 7, 1849.
The Fort Bragg Garden Club is raising awareness of California Arbor Week this year with the simple question, “Is there a tree in your neighborhood that is particularly beautiful or unique?”
“I often take walks in my neighborhood,” said Fort Bragg resident and Garden Club member, Laura Welter. “When passing by Redwood Elementary School on Lincoln Street, I am always impressed by the majestic group of seven Monterey cypress trees located at the Mormon Church across the street.”
At the beginning and end of each school day, Welter said, those trees shelter children and their parents who cross the street under the watchful eye of Redwood School’s crossing guard.
“Lincoln Street has been way too quiet since the pandemic began,” she said. “I wonder if those seven Monterey cypress trees miss the sounds of excited children as much as I do.”
You, too, can participate by submitting a photo of a distinctive tree to info@fbgardenclub. com. The photo will be posted on the Garden Club website and also in the window display at 350 North Franklin St. in downtown Fort Bragg.
Make sure you include what kind of tree it is, where it is located and what makes it special to you. Adults, children, teens, and visitors are all encouraged to take part.
Not a photographer? Drawings or paintings of local trees are also welcome to be a part of this collection of the Distinctive Trees of Fort Bragg.
For several years, the Fort Bragg Garden Club has promoted and encouraged planting trees with its “Bucks for Trees” program. Participants can purchase a tree at one of three local nurseries — Hare Creek, North Star or The Botanical Gardens — during Arbor Week, March 7-14, and receive $5 off the purchase price, courtesy of the Garden Club.
The Fort Bragg Garden Club, now in its 66th year, encourages everyone to remember that “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” Find more information at the club’s website, fbgardenclub.com or call Garden Club Arbor Week Chairperson Kathy Holmes at 964-0317.
“Lincoln Street has been way too quiet since the pandemic began. I wonder if those seven Monterey cypress trees miss the sounds of excited children as much as I do.”
— Laura Welter